Destination
Nepal
Region
Everest
Trip Grade
Adventure/Expedition
Highest Elevation
6119m.
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
Tea House/Camping
Trek Duration
Nepal
Group Size Min
02 Climber's
Best Time
Sept-December & February-May
Start/End Point
Lukla to Lukla

Trip Overview

Lobuche Peak Climbing via Everest Base Camp Trekking offers an excellent introduction to the world of Himalayan mountaineering which is one of the most popular mountain peaks in Nepal. It is a beautiful mountain peak and the less technical climbing peaks in the Everest region. The trip will also take you to some of the most popular places in the Everest region which provides an excellent view of along with other high mountains. This peak climbing offers a popular trekking peak with a stunning view of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and other mountain views. There is a trekking peak amongst that this peak climbing is one of the most popular.

Lobuche Peak is a popular climbing destination in the Khumbu region of Nepal. It is situated at an altitude of 6,119 meters (20,075 feet) and is considered a challenging climb, requiring a good level of fitness and mountaineering skills. Here is some information on Lobuche Peak Climbing:

  1. Climbing Route: The most common route for Lobuche Peak climbing is the South Ridge, which involves a steep ascent from Lobuche village to the base camp, and then a technical climb to the summit. The climb involves steep snow and ice slopes and a final section of exposed ridge climbing.
  2. Duration: The entire climb usually takes around 18 to 20 days, including the trek to and from Lukla. This allows for acclimatization and training for the climb.
  3. Technical Requirements: Lobuche Peak climbing requires technical mountaineering skills, including the use of crampons, ice axe, ropes, and other climbing gear. Prior experience in high-altitude climbing is recommended.
  4. Fitness Requirements: Climbing Lobuche Peak requires a good level of physical fitness and endurance. Training beforehand is essential to ensure that your body can cope with the physical demands of the climb.
  5. Altitude: The climb to Lobuche Peak involves exposure to high altitude, which can cause altitude sickness. Proper acclimatization, hydration, and rest are crucial to avoiding altitude sickness and ensuring a successful climb.
  6. Weather: The weather in the Khumbu region can be unpredictable and change rapidly. Climbers should be prepared for extreme weather conditions, including strong winds, snow, and cold temperatures.
  7. Permits: Climbing Lobuche Peak requires permits from the Nepal Mountaineering Association and the Sagarmatha National Park.

Climbing at Lobuche Peak is a challenging but rewarding experience, offering stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks and an opportunity to test your mountaineering skills. It is a great option for experienced climbers looking for a new challenge and a unique adventure in the Himalayas.

Lobuche Peak Climbing Trip Highlight

Climbing Lobuche Peak is an adventure that offers a unique experience in the Khumbu region of Nepal. Here are some highlights of the Lobuche Peak Climbing trip:

  • Stunning Views: Climbing Lobuche Peak offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. The views from the summit are truly spectacular and will be a memory that you will cherish for a lifetime.
  • Challenging Climb: Lobuche Peak is a challenging climb that requires technical mountaineering skills, making it an ideal destination for experienced climbers looking for a new challenge. The climb involves steep snow and ice slopes, and a final exposed ridge climb to the summit.
  • Cultural Experience: The trek to Lobuche Peak Base Camp takes you through traditional Sherpa villages and Buddhist monasteries, providing an opportunity to experience the local culture and way of life. The Sherpa people are known for their hospitality and warm welcome, which adds to the overall experience of the trip.
  • Scenic Trekking: The trek to Lobuche Peak Base Camp is a scenic journey that takes you through the Khumbu Valley, offering stunning views of the Himalayas, including the Khumbu Icefall and the Nuptse-Lhotse wall. The trail also passes through beautiful alpine forests and across several suspension bridges.
  • High Altitude Experience: Lobuche Peak Climbing involves exposure to high altitude, which can be challenging for some climbers. The climb provides an opportunity to test your body’s ability to adapt to high altitude and to experience the unique conditions that only high-altitude mountaineering can provide.

Climbing Lobuche Peak is a challenging and rewarding experience that offers stunning views, cultural experiences, and an opportunity to test your mountaineering skills. It is an adventure that is sure to leave you with lifelong memories and a greater appreciation for the natural world.

How Hard is Lobuche Peak Climbing?

Lobuche Peak is a popular trekking peak in the Everest region of Nepal, with an elevation of 6,119 meters (20,075 feet). The difficulty level of climbing Lobuche Peak can vary depending on several factors, such as your previous climbing experience, physical fitness, acclimatization, weather conditions, and the route you choose.

Generally, climbing Lobuche Peak is considered to be a challenging endeavor, and it requires a good level of physical fitness, stamina, and technical climbing skills. The peak is known for its steep terrain, challenging ice and rock climbing, and extreme weather conditions, which can change quickly and unpredictably.

If you are an experienced mountaineer and have previous climbing experience, you may find Lobuche Peak relatively easier. However, if you are a beginner or have limited climbing experience, you may find the climb much more challenging.

To successfully climb Lobuche Peak, it is essential to undergo proper acclimatization and physical preparation before attempting the climb. It is also important to hire an experienced guide and use proper climbing equipment and gear to ensure your safety during the climb.

Overall, climbing Lobuche Peak is a challenging and rewarding experience that requires adequate preparation, physical fitness, and technical climbing skills.      

Best time for Lobuche Peak Climbing

The best time for climbing Lobuche Peak is during the autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) seasons in Nepal. During these months, the weather is generally dry, stable, and clear, with low precipitation and a low chance of cloud cover. These conditions provide excellent visibility and make climbing safer and more enjoyable.

In the autumn season, the temperatures are mild, and the skies are usually clear, making it an ideal time for climbing. The spring season is also a good time to climb Lobuche Peak, as the temperatures are pleasant, and the weather is stable.

During the winter (December to February) and summer (June to August) seasons, the weather can be challenging, with high precipitation, heavy snowfall, and strong winds. These conditions can make climbing difficult and dangerous, so it is not recommended to attempt climbing Lobuche Peak during these seasons.

In addition to weather conditions, it’s important to consider the crowds when planning your climb. The autumn and spring seasons are the busiest times for trekking and climbing in the Everest region, so it’s best to plan ahead and book your trip well in advance.

Details Itinerary

DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU (1,400M)

Arrival in Kathmandu, The representatives of Everest Trekking Routes will welcome you at TIA Upon your Arrival. We transfer to a hotel overnight stay.
Trek time: 20 Minutes drive to hotel
Accommodation: Hotel

DAY 02: FLY TO LUKLA, TREK TO PHAKDING (2,651M/8,700FT): 40 MINUTES FLIGHT; 8KM, 3 – 4 HOURS TREK

Our Guide will transfer to the Domestic airport and short Lukla flight for 30 minutes and introduce our local mountain porters. Kick off your beautiful trek through larges village chourikharka and demented towards Dudhkoshi River and continue to Phakding (2652m. 8700ft.) we will have staying acclimatization stay overnight at lodge.
Trek time: 30 minutes fly to lukla and 3-4 hour trek
Accommodation: Tea House

DAY 03: PHAKDING TO NAMCHE BAZAAR (3,438M/11,280 FT): 11KM, 5 – 6 HOURS

After a hot breakfast trek to Namche Bazaar, the biggest village in Khumbu region, which is the most popular Himalayan city Touristic area same as Kathmandu and Pokhara. Trekking toward Monjo Entering Sagarmatha National Park and Trekkers Information Management System Main Gate. Flow up Dudhkoshi River and cross the highest double substance bridge bottom of the Namche. If changed to see mt. Everest on a trail and continue to Namche. Stay overnight at the lodge.
Trek time: 5-6 hour trek
Accommodation: Best Lodge

DAY 04: ACCLIMATIZATION DAY – NAMCHE BAZAAR: (3,440M/11,284FT)

Today Explore and Acclimatization day, after breakfast visit to Sherpa Museum which is popular in Khumbu region about the Sherpa culture and history and will have a hike to the top of the Everest viewpoint and take a cup of tea or coffee at Everest View lodge. If the weather is perfect then will see Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Island Peak, Amadablam, and Many Others Trekking peaks. When we return from Everest Viewpoint visit Khumjung Village and Admon Hillary high school take lunch and back to Namche, Little sightseeing stay overnight at the lodge.
Trek time: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar
Accommodation: Best Lodge

DAY 05: NAMCHE BAZAAR TO PHORTSE (3,870M/12,694FT): 10KM, 5- 6 HOURS

After breakfast, we will continue to trek to Phortse medium beautiful Sherpa village. Beginning part flat and easy after sanasa moderate slide and stepping to Mongla situate 4000m. Take lunch that depends on choice and extremely descending to phortse Tenga pass the bridge and end of our destination stay overnight at lodge.
Trek time: 5-6 hour trek
Accommodation: Tea House

DAY 06: PHORTSE TO DINGBOCHE (4,360 M/14,300 FT): 9KM, 5 – 6 HOURS

After a hot breakfast, we will continue the trek to Dingboche, which is a massive viewpoint and a chance to see lots of wild animals such as Blue sheep, dear, Himalayan Thar, and Many Domestic Yaks browsing grass. The phortse to Dingboche is the most beautiful trail selected by Everest Trekking Routes. Take lunch at Upper Pangboche or Samare and slowly trek to Dingboche and stay overnight at the lodge.
Trek time: 5-6 Hour Trek
Accommodation: Tea House

DAY 07: DINGBOCHE ACCLIMATIZATION DAY

Today is Acclimatization day at Dingboche just a light hike to a little pick or a hike to Chhukung just a combination of acute mountain sickness and visiting Dingboche Sherpa Villages. Will have to wear warm cloth and take lots of drinking water. Make sure could reach our Destination at EBC and stay an extra night at the lodge.
Trek time: Acclimatization day at Dingboche
Accommodation: Tea House

DAY 08: DINGBOCHE TO LOBUCHE (4910 M) 5/6 HOURS

After hot breakfast we will continue trek to Lobuche, over 4000 meters have to most care health because before Lobuche slowly toward dhukla and take lunch and rest for while and hard part stepping and amazing tabuche peak, Ama Dablam peak, Lobuche peak, Pumori peak, and Nupse Peak. It makes us enjoy and stay overnight at the lodge.
Trek time: 5-6 hour trek
Accommodation: Tea House

DAY 09: LOBUCHE TO GORAK SHEP (5170 M/16,961FT), VISIT EVEREST BASE CAMP (5364 M/17,594 FT): 13KM

From Lobuche to Gorakshep takes more than 2 hours and must leave early morning, because take a hot drink as tea or coffee continue to Gorakshep and get accommodation to leave a bag. Before the visit to Everest Base Camp, we have to have Breakfast and take with us light food. It is a hard and long day almost 8 to 10 hours. Return from EBC stays overnight at lodge.
Trek time: 7-8 hour visit Everest Base camp 5364m.
Accommodation: Tea House

DAY 10: GORAK SHEP TO KALA PATTHAR (5,545M/18,192FT) TO LOBUCHE BASE CAMP (5000M) 7-8 HOURS

Early morning hike to Kala Patthar peak 5545m which is our main destination sunrise and panoramic views front of the Mt Everest and Pumori Expedition, Magnificent Himalayan range and return to Gorakshep take breakfast after that continue to trek to Lobuche Base Camp stay overnight at Campsite.
Trek time: 7-8 hour trek visit to Kalapathar peak 5545m.
Accommodation: Camping

DAY 11: LOBUCHE BASE CAMP TO HIGH CAMP (5400M) 3 HOURS

After breakfast Basic Training for Climbing and slowly to Trek to High Camp It is short climb lunch and dinner same place. Stay overnight at Camp Site.
Trek time: 3 hour trek
Accommodation: Camping

DAY 12: LOBUCHE HIGH TO SUMMIT AND BACK TO BASE CAMP (6119M) 8/10 HOURS

Wake up Early morning around at 12:00 AM Morning and take breakfast start at 1:00 AM long Climb to Summit takes almost 10 hours, Spectacular Scenery Mt. Everest, Mt Lhotse, Mt Nuptse, Mt Pumori, Mt Cho you, Mt Makalu, Mt Barunche, Mt Amadablam and Many others Peak can see the top of the Lobuche Peak. After the summit returns to Base Camp and stays overnight at Campsite.
Trek time: 9-10 Hour Summit to Lobuche Expedition 6119m.
Accommodation: Camping

DAY 13: LOBUCHE BASE CAMP TO PANGBOCHE (3,985M/13,074FT) 5-6 HOURS

After breakfast Trek to Pangboche takes around 5-6 hours depending on a walk and easy days stay overnight at the lodge.
Trek time: 5-6 hour trek
Accommodation: Tea House

DAY 14: PANGBOCHE TO NAMCHE BAZAAR (3,440M/11,280 FT): 20KM, 6 – 7 HOURS

After breakfast, we trek toward the Hillary Suspension Bridge and then pass through several local villages toward to old Buddhist Tengboche monastery. It takes 7/8 hour easy downhill and more traffic yaks and Porters Continue trek to Namche stay overnight at lodge.
Trek time: 6-7 hour trek
Accommodation: Best Lodge

Day 15: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft): 19km, 6 – 7 hours

After breakfast same way to return to Lukla, easy downhill but more traffic yak, Jhopkyo, Porters toward to manjo. Before Lukla takes light lunch and continues to Lukla, finally we will complete our trip and warm up with all team to say goodbye to local porters waiting for the flight to Kathmandu to stay overnight at lodge.
Trek time: 6-7 hour trek
Accommodation: Best Lodge

DAY 16: FLY TO KATHMANDU (30 MINUTE) EXPLORE AND SHOPPING

After breakfast, we short walk to the airport and waited for the flight. Because some time very hard to get a flight and lots of people waiting. We must reserve for flight before our trip. When we arrived in Kathmandu explore and shopping souvenirs for your family.
Trek time: 30 Minutes fly to Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel

DAY 17: FINAL INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE

We will drop you to the TIA for your final departure and happy journey to your hometown, hope to see you again and goodbye.
Trek time: Final departure
Accommodation: Home

Cost Include/Exclude

Cost Includes

  • Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up and Drop by private car/van/bus.
  • 3* Category Hotel In Kathmandu: 2 Nights standard accommodation in Katmandu BB Plan
  • Both Way Domestic Air Ticket Kathmandu to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu
  • You’re Meal in During the Trekking as Your standard meals (3 times a day Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with a cup of tea or Coffee).
  • $ 250 Per Person Special Climbing Permit.
  • $ 300 Climbing Sherpa Per Person his climbing fee, insurance, equipment, food, accommodation, etc.
  • $ 500 Garbage Deposit.
  • Climbing Gear such as Harness, figure Eight, Rope, Snow bar
  • 2-night full board Campsite at Base Camp
  • Accommodation in Trekking: All accommodations in lodge/tea houses during the treks.
  • Trekking Guide: Government License holder An experienced, helpful, friendly, and English-speaking Trekking Guide. His well-paid salary, meals, accommodation insurance, flight ticket, etc.
  • Trekking Porter: porters (1 porter for 2 people). Salary, Food, Drinks, Accommodation, Transportation.
  • After the Success Trip, Everest Trekking Routes will Provide Adventure Certificate.
  • The arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service will be paid for by your Travel insurance company.
  • Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
  • All government taxes and services charge

Cost Excludes

  • Meals and Extra Accommodation in Kathmandu
  • Extra Porter $ 20 Per Day
  • Climbing Sherpa $ 350
  • Personal Climbing Equipment
  • personal expenses (bar bills, beer, coke, a bottle of water, hot water, phone call, laundry service, Helicopter rescue, Electronic device recharge such as Mobile, Camera, etc.)
  • Tips for guide, porters, and driver.

Trip Map

FAQ

Fixed Departure Booking

Departure Date Duration Availability Cost Booking

Recent Client Reviews

Liau Gii Hau

Malaysia

LangTang 8 days tour

I requested Mr. Rabin Gurung to have a guide/porter before starting my journey, and he sent a very experienced guide Mr. Phul to be my guide/porter. Mr. Phul has more than 25+ years of experience becoming a mountain guide. I had problems during the hike up to the mountain but Mr. Phul always gave me support all the way, he shared the newer things in the jungle with my brother along the trek.

Source by: TripAdvisor

Yap Chun Sing

Singapore

Wonderful Experience trekking in Manaslu

Had a wonderful time hiking at the Manaslu area with my tour guide Sushil Gurung and porter Madan Gurung. They helped us with our every need from last minute rental gear like sleeping bags to telling us more about Nepal and being knowledgeable about the area. Both of them are experienced and knowledgeable. Both of them are very observant about how you are coping with the pace and terrain and will change pace to suit your pace.

Source by: TripAdvisor

Deon Poh

Singapore

Manaslu Circuit Trekking

Positive experience liaising with Everest Trekking for our Manaslu Circuit Trek.
The guide made adjustments to our plans based on our comfort/fitness level and the weather so that we managed to finish the trail.
Our guide helped us secure some last-minute stuff for us like our sleeping bag rentals.
Most importantly the hike itself was great as well thanks to our guide for his hospitality and our porter’s hard work.
Appreciate the apples cut for us every night during the hike carried by the guide and to the porter for pushing through even though his eyes hurt from the sun glare from the snow.
Thank you for this great experience.
Everest Trekking liaison: Rabin Gurung
Guide: Sushil Gurung
Porter: Madan Gurung

Source by: TripAdvisor

Mook Kunnapat

Bangkok, Thailand

Annapurna Base Camp trekking

ในช่วง 5 ปีที่ผ่านมาได้มีโอกาศไปเดิน Trek ที่เนปาลกับไกด์ Rabin มา 3 ครั้งแล้ว ประทับใจทุกครั้ง ทีมงานลูกหาบดีเรียบร้อยใส่ใจ บริการดี ไว้ใจได้ ราคาสมเหตุสมผล ใครจะไปเนปาลแนะนำเลยครับ!!

I’ve trekked in Nepal with Rabin 3 times in the past 5 years, and it’s been awesome!! Great team, reliable services, and reasonable price. Highly Recommended!!

Source by: TripAdvisor

Mike Q

Austral

Manaslu basecamp and Circuit and Tsum Valley

I have just completed a trek of the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum valley with three other friends. The trip was magnificent, stunning mountain peaks, ancient forest, impressive rivers and waterfalls and interesting villages. During the trip we were very well looked after by our guide, Dhansingh Gurung who gently and efficiently took us through 21 days of trekking over diverse terrain and Sangam (Durga) our porter who was always helpful and cheerful. Both Dhansingh and Durga added considerably to the enjoyment of the experience with their friendliness and local knowledge. If I return to Nepal, I will definitely use our guide and porter again.

Sorce on: TripAdvisor

Jasmin H

Germany

Gokyo Lakes with Gokyo Ri

The trekking was an extraordinary experience. Breathtaking views of Everest and the surrounding 8000s. Rabin Gurung always made sure we have a nice accommodation, enough for eating and drinking, warm and comfortable. He is a really caring guide. I would do another trip with him right away. He organised everything so that we could totally focus on the hiking.

Source from: TripAdvisor

Tuffy Kin Leung

USA

Gokyo Lake — EBC

My wife and I had an amazing experience with both Dhansingh and Rabin Gurung. We took a 2 weeks trek with them from Lukla — Gokyo Lake — EBC . What a blessing we had them along the way , we will never forget and be grateful and thankful for the unquie, warm , genuine hospitality that we had , plus all the priceless encounters within the nature. Namaste!

Email: tuffyl@yahoo.com

Sources from: TripAdvisor

Toft Lars

Denmark

Mera Peak Climbing Guided & Trip Operation by Everest Trekking Routes

My brother and I had the pleasure of having Rabin as our guide on the trip to Mera Peak Expedition.
Everything was planned to perfection and we had a great time with Rabin, who is friendly, funny, and always helpful.
Last but not least, we reached the summit.

Source: TripAdvisor

Soren Dorfhoff

Denmark

Island Peak, Everest Base Camp and Lobuche Peak Climbing (October 2022)

I have now used Everest Trekking Routes for two trips to Nepal. I can’t put my finger on anything that needs improvement. The initial communication part is spot on. They are quick to respond and I usually my questions answered on the first reply. Both times I have been greeted at the airport by a super polite guide. I’ve felt welcome and gotten all my needs tended to.
On my second trip, we could not fly to Lukla, because of bad weather. Instead of waiting for the weather to clear up, they arranged alternative transport to the mountains, to avoid wasting precious days in Kathmandu.

The whole city experience has been an absolute pleasure. Except for the hard work, summiting a mountain 😅

Best recommendations to the guys from Everest Trekking Routes 👌

Source: Tripadvisor

Family Tour in Nepal

Alex Lim

Singapore

Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Rabin Gurung

This is my second trip with Rabin and I am already looking forward to a third trip with him soon. That shows how much I value his services, his extensive experiences with the treks, his honesty, and of course, the great supporting staff he have.

I feel safe and well taken care of with Rabin as my guide. He is a man with integrity and deal in a most honest way with us. This is unlike lots of horror stories you read about guides and tea-house owners collaborating to fleece hikers. We pay exactly what we consumed at the tea houses based on the published menu prices, no more and no less. With Rabin, there is no hidden cost.

With more than 20 years of trekking experience, he gave good advises on the route and safety measures to take. For example, he insisted that we started off early on a particular day so that we will reach a section with an ice sheet before the ice started to melt and traversing the ice-sheet becomes dangerous and difficult.

We have a large team of porters and assistant guides to take care of our team of 12 hikers and everyone on Rabin’s team have been extremely helpful and friendly. My teenage son enjoyed playing Uno and sliding down the ABC  Trek icy slope with a teenage porter, a fellow hiker who has walking difficulties was supported all the way by assistant guides and porters and our meals were all ordered in advance so the group don’t have to wait long for food to be served.

Singapore

Sources from: TripAdvisor

Family Tour in Nepal

Mark Gamboa

Vancouver, British Columbia

Everest Base Camp Trek with Suk Bahadur Gurung

Searching for the perfect company to embark on the EBC trek was not easy when doing research on who to go with. I happen to have really lucked out by choosing to go with Everest Trekking Routes, because they were great, through and through.

I did the trek in November but started inquiring with them back in February. Rabin is the CEO of the company, and he has helped me in every way possible. He was prompt in answering my questions via email and meticulously arranged the EBC trek, which felt customized to all my needs. In person, he was kind and courteous. And my guide Suk was friendly and helpful throughout the hike. He had brought all the necessary medication for me and asked every day how I was feeling. Suk is also a very good card player and was grateful for his company on the 12-day hike/ Kathmandu City Hike.

I’m sure most of you reading this have gone with some tour company elsewhere in the world, and perhaps you might agree that most of them have treated you as simply a commodity in the assembly line. By going with Everest Trekking Routes, I never felt that. Rabin and Suk took care of me from beginning to end, and I sing all their praises for getting me to Everest Base Camp, which was a major deal for me and my friends and Family. Rabin and Suk became family to me. Thank you for everything, guys!

Antonia Carol Suning

Sabah Malaysia

Everest Base Camp & Lobuche Peak with Rabin Gurung

It was such a hard fight to join this trip. Because I had to work hard to find funding for this training. It is the first summit I attended team NOBAT ( No Boundary Adventurers Association Sabah ) to the Himalayas with AMG (Adventure Mountain Guide Rabin Gurung), I gained a great experience, which Mr. Rabin Gurung was very friendly and kind as a mountain guide who experience he made this trip so enjoyable, and build a better friendship.

I would like to thank him for giving the best service to us, this is the first time I walk for 21 days hahaha. In every step, he remained faithful to accompany and not leave us, even though there are 2 people in our group who did not succeed, and he sent us back to our high camp Lobuche to support the spirit reaching the summit of Lobuche Peak Climbing.

Nice trip and good services such as tents, food, and stories you tell about your family, it is good, and I enjoyed the trip because you protected me and my team so much.

Keep up the good work you AMG! I am happy to see and to know you! Good luck! * extra bonus able to speak Bahasa Melayu! hehe

Jasen Moore & Helen Kerrandjas

Canada

Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Rabin Gurung

While Rabin is a very knowledgeable and capable guide it was his kindness, Warm smile, and Constant eagerness to help that made our trip truly memorable. Rabin Gurung quickly earned our trust and friendship and would be an excellent companion on any trek! we would very happily Recommend Rabin to anyone who is making a trip to Nepal. He is is a wonderful person and a good friend.

Email: helen.karrandjas@maclaren.com
Details Address: 191 Millwood Rd, Upper Toronto, ON M4S 1J6 Canada

Jaistin Tamin

Sabah Malaysia

Everest Base Camp, Island Peak, Lobuche Peak & Chulu West Peak with Rabin Gurung

Sewaktu saya ditugaskan oleh persatuan NOBAT untuk mendapatkan khidmat ‘trekking guide’ bagi ekspedisi NOBAT Himalaya 2013, saya telah menghubungi beberapa ‘trekking agent’ di Kathmandu melalui emel. Saya tertarik dengan laman web Rabin Gurung dan ‘testimonial’ dari beberapa individu yang penat mendapatkan khidmatnya. Rabin memberikan tawaran kos yang paling berpatutan. Dari raut wajahnya saja saya yakin dia adalah orang yang jujur dan’friendly’. Satu kelebihan lain ialah dia boleh berbahasa Malaysia.

Apabila bertemu dengan Rabin buat pertama kalinya di Kathmandu, memang sah bahawa kami telah membuat pilihan yang tepat. Sepanjang trekking, Rabin sangat professional dalam khidmatnya. Beliau flexible dan mudah diajak berunding. Kami tidak lagi menganggapnya sebagai pemandu jalan tetapi sebagai sahabat..kepada sesiapa yang ingin trekking di Himalaya, sila dapatkan khidmat Rabin. Saya percaya anda bakal membuat pilihan yang tepat.
Email: cliffhanger_08@yahoo.com

Island Peak Climbing

Jeff Tucker & Wanida Tucker

USA

Manaslu Circuit & Tsum Valley with Rabin Gurung

Recently my wife and I visited Nepal for the eighteenth time and enjoyed a wonderful trek, one of the best treks ever, and this was largely due to our guide, Rabin Gurung (Trekking Guide in Nepal), with whom we also trekked around Manaslu in 2010.

If you come to Nepal with the idea of doing ‘your own trek’ with a small party, I highly recommend hiring Rabin. Not only does he have many years of experience but he is very honest and humble, so much so that one woman at a very basic lodge on our recent trek, impressed by his honesty, told my wife that “this man is a very good man, honest man, all other guide-man say lie to customers, say them that price is higher than the real price, so they can get more money.”

Rabin is always in good humor and friendly and gets along well with the local people and the porters too. Furthermore, his varied experience from his earlier years as a porter and cook helped to make him a better guide. I can’t remember how many times during our treks, when we stopped at a new or very basic lodge, or even at a tea house for lunch, when the owner’s cooking skills were at most primitive, Rabin tactfully volunteered to move into the kitchen and some amazingly delicious food would come out, made from the most simple ingredients.

Three years ago, in March of 2010, the Manaslu trek was not what it is now. Along the entire trek from Arughat (where we had to start walking), until we reached to Annapurna circuit route, there was at that time only a single lodge with what could be called a ‘menu’, and that was the one and only lodge in Sama village at that time. All other villages either had nothing but dal bhat and perhaps chapatis, or nothing to eat and no lodge at all. We had to camp some places, but when we could, we stayed in the simple lodges that existed and he often improved our diet by cooking foods that the proprietor did not know how to cook, sometimes even such a basic menu item as an omelet, to be rolled up inside a chapati for breakfast.

This year, again in March, we decided to return to the same area, with the desire to explore the newly opened valley of Tsum. This is a lovely, beautiful valley populated by some 4000 Tibetan people, who have lived for nearly a thousand years in that inaccessible ‘hidden valley’, connected by easy passes to Tibet but until not so many decades ago, without any reasonable connection to Nepal through the truly stupendous canyons of the lower section of the valley. Indeed, many inhabitants could not speak any Nepali, only Tibetan, which made it difficult at times. We had a double permit, which if you ever want to see Tsum Valley thoroughly, I highly recommend. Most people try to do a quick one-week detour to Tsum Valley as a kind of bonus side trip on the way around Manaslu. They never know what they have missed. Some of the most interesting villages and friendliest people, and some truly awesome scenery, can be visited in Tsum valley if you have time. One week is too little time to see more than a quick glimpse of the Valley.

I and my wife have been trekking in Nepal for years, myself since 1981, and our trek to Manaslu was the first time we had ever used a guide (because it was required on that trek), despite having visited some very remote areas such as crossing the Trashi Labtsa Pass from Khumbu into Rolwaling with friends in 1982. I had doubts about using a guide, I had seen how so many of them control their clients and take a commission from lodge owners to fill their pockets, I have seen many guides from Kathmandu who knew less about the local people and places than I did. I say this not to boast but as a word of caution: there are all too few honest, humble, helpful, and experienced guides out there, and many of those who are have moved into the higher levels of trekking management and no longer guide. But from the first days, on our 2010 Manaslu trek, we were impressed by the level of experience Rabin has, and also his sensitivity in allowing us to make our own itinerary day by day. He never was angry, never showed irritation, always explained patiently what was going on, and was always in a good mood. We were a group of five at that time, and by the end of the first week, we all agreed that if we returned to Nepal for another trek requiring a guide, we would try to get Rabin again.

This is what we did in March 2013 on our visit to Tsum Valley. Using more porters in order to have tents and extra food, we planned to visit the highest area of the upper end of Tsum Valley and ascend to one of the high passes overlooking Tibet. This year was plagued by poor weather and too much snow in March, however, and we were unable to do that, as were all the people who had set out to trek around Manaslu this March: the deep snow at higher elevations did not allow anyone in the first weeks of March to cross the Larkya La and go around Manaslu. But we had time, and because of the tents and food we had, we also had more options. The tents and food we used in a wonderful visit to the nunnery at Gumalungdang, up a steep side valley surrounded by the huge peaks of Ganesh Himal. We camped there for two nights, as there is no accommodation yet, and enjoyed incredible sunrise views of the nearby Ganesh Himal and also the distant great Peaks of HImalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, and Manaslu.

Tsum Valley is developing rapidly, as is the Manaslu circuit. However, particularly if you are new to Nepal trekking, don’t believe the hype that many agencies will tell you, that the Manaslu trek is the “new Annapurna circuit”. The Annapurna trek, over a period of three decades, developed a huge infrastructure for trekkers, with scores and scores of hotels, often equipped with deluxe menus and services, hot showers, laundry service, spring mattresses, etc. I think it will be some time yet before these things appear on the Manaslu trek, and if you find them in some places, don’t expect them at the next place. Tsum Valley is one step back in development yet.

One problem to watch out for is this: Manaslu Tsum Valley’s popularity and this can be said for Manaslu too, is growing much faster than services can be built–may be large because the road around Annapurna has grown so quickly and has put people off from that once glorious trek. We were there both times in March when there are fewer trekkers than in April or especially during the high season in October and November. In Tsum, as of March 2013, there was only one real lodge with rooms, and that was just a bit beyond Lokhpa at the foot of the valley. The other ‘lodges’ were basically beds in a side room of a local house, the largest such able to sleep ten people but others only four or five. Most villages had only one such place for trekkers to sleep, some villages had no place. When we reached Mu Gompa, in March all but one of the 80 monks were away from the valley for the winter, and furthermore, there was no food available at all. Only because we had our tents and stove and food for going higher up the valley (which we were unable to do because of snow), were we able to stay there e and eat our own food, instead of returning to Nile village the same day. The same goes for Gumbalunddang, where no food was available. if you are going o visit Tsum valley, and perhaps Manaslu too, during the busiest season, think seriously about hiring at least one EXTRA porter and having a tent, stove, and food, in case of accommodation is full! It might be worth it! Also, think of the porters: we saw many groups of two or three with a guide and a single porter carrying an enormous load, who was trailing far behind the others during the day. Many of them were unhappy with the arrangement.

In conclusion, this time with four people in our group, and with several porters and with Rabin as our guide again, we once more enjoyed what all agreed was one of the best treks we’ve ever done in the Himalayas, out of a total number of over thirty now, in Nepal and India. Rabin is an excellent choice for a guide. He is honest and will help you save money instead of trying to find ways to squeeze more for himself, he is fun and funny and friendly and all along the trails, he makes new friends with the people we meet along the way. He is experienced but doesn’t try to tell the customers what to do, he asks what they want to do, and then explains the options. If you are the type of trekker who is truly interested in Nepal, in the places, the culture, and religion and people and villages, and like to understand what is happening around you, hire Rabin as your guide, you won’t be disappointed. Indeed, like us (except for one, the same group that went around Manaslu with Rabin three years earlier), perhaps you will want to return to Nepal and go on another trek with Rabin Gurung!

Email: jefftckr@s8.dion.ne.jp

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